One of TOWIE's most iconic stars has left Essex and we're not sure how to process the information.
Everybody knows Joey Essex. Even if you never watched him parade around Brentwood in trainers two sizes too small declaring everything 'reem', you will know the name.
As the younger brother of Frankie Essex and cousin of Chloe Sims, Joey rose to fame in 2011 as part of The Only Way is Essex and since leaving the show in 2013, he has been involved in countless projects.
From competing on the diving show Splash! to starring in his very own documentary, Educating Joey Essex, we never quite know what to expect from Joey but his recent move has us shook.
Taking to his social media the reality TV star has announced he has moved to Dubai and - as if that wasn't random enough - Joey has also met with the Dubai government. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall for that conversation.
He posted a photo on his Instagram account with the below caption and received support from his former Essex pals.
Joey wrote, "At the worlds most luxurious hotel Burj Al Arab I met up with the Dubai Government. They told me Dubai is now my home.
"Thank you to Mahmoud Al Burai & Shahab Ahmed Alsaadi for everything you have put in place for me and Dubai police / Dubai tourism board / Dubai media for getting in touch and taking time to meet me and giving me the warmest welcome to their beautiful country. Happiness is the way forward. Inshallah 🙏✨."
Liam 'Gatsby' Blackwell, who left Essex for LA last year, commented, "New beginnings brother. Wish you all the happiness and luck in the world ❤️," with Pete Wicks and cousin Demi Sims both throwing the picture a like.
Joey's life changing move comes after his Essex mansion was broken into last year. It was reported that one of the reasons Joey has headed off to Dubai is because "he loves the lifestyle out there and feels completely safe".
Who is Joey Essex?
Joey Donald Essex - yes that's his real name - rose to fame on The Only Way is Essex back in 2011 and has since made quite a name for himself in the world of showbiz. Filming a documentary, trying to find love on Celebs Go Dating and taking part in I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! both the UK and Australian version, Joey has been a regular on our TV screens for over a decade.
Side note, if you haven't seen the hilarious moment Joey fell out of his bunk when was on the Aussie version of I'm A Celeb head over to Youtube to check it out, it'll make your day.
How old is Joey Essex?
Born 29 July 1990, Joey is currently 32 years old.
Where is Joey Essex from?
Joey was born in Southwark, London.
Who is Joey Essex dating?
Joey was heavily rumoured to be dating his Dancing on Ice partner Vanessa Bauer, but it looks as though the couple have called time on their relationship.
When was Joey Essex on TOWIE?
Joining the reality TV show in 2011, Joey was on TOWIE for two years before leaving in 2013.
During his TOWIE stint, Joey famously dated Sam Faiers. The couple had an on/off relationship for a few years and were even engaged at one point.
What happened with Joey Essex and Maura Higgins?
Love Island 2019 fan favourite Maura Higgins and Joey shared a short but sweet rendezvous last Autumn and fans went wild. The duo kissed at the Pride of Britain Awards but it was a fleeting romance and they have both moved on since then.
Who has Joey Essex dated?
Joey was of course in a relationship Sam and had that little fling with Maura. Apparently he also dated Chloe Ferry, which honestly seems like a match made in both heaven and hell. as well as Ex on the Beach girlfriend Lorena Medina and 2020 Miss Universe Australia winner Maria Thattil.
What happened to Joey Essex's mum?
When he was ten years old, Joey's mum took her own life. Joey has been an ambassador for Child Bereavement UK since 2014 and discussed his mum's death on his documentary Joey Essex: Grief and Me.
Who is Joey Essex related to?
He is the little bro of Frankie and cousin to Chloe which makes him part of the Sims family and therefore his cousins include Demi, Frankie Sims and Charlie Sims.
Perhaps Joey will make a cameo appearance on their new show, House of Sims, that would be truly iconic.
Does Joey Essex have Instagram?
He sure does. You can follow him at @joeyessex.